Flora Pettit proudly announces that Christopher R. Tate and Thomas B. Gladin were elected as shareholders of the firm effective January 1, 2023.
Chris focuses his practice on commercial litigation and construction law. He has handled numerous trials and appeals in federal and state court, in matters involving partnership and shareholder disputes, breach of contract, insurance coverage, employment matters, and real property disputes, among others. Chris also maintains an active higher education law practice. His experience as a former Deputy Title IX Coordinator gives him a unique perspective on institutional governance and crisis response. Chris applies this perspective to advise colleges and universities on compliance with Title IX, VAWA, the Clery Act, and other state and federal regulations. He regularly serves as a hearing chair for review panels adjudicating Title IX violations, and as an independent appeal officer for the post-hearing review of Title IX investigations. He practiced in Washington DC prior to relocating to Charlottesville in 2016.
Chris is an active member and current Secretary of the Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court, and has served as the Treasurer of the Charlottesville Albemarle Bar Association since 2020 He previously served on the Board of Directors of the International School of Charlottesville. He and his wife Anna, and their three children can be found exploring the steepest parts of the Blue Ridge, on foot, by ski, or in a kayak.
Thomas focuses his practice on real estate and real estate centric matters including commercial property acquisition, leasing, development, financing, title matters, Section 1031 tax deferred exchanges, and business matters. Thomas approaches the practice of law with an experienced and practical point of view based on his pre-law school professional experience working with a Virginia automotive dealer group and in retail banking. His professional experience is complemented by the diverse experience he acquired during and after law school through internships relating to various areas of law and judicial clerkships including serving as a Circuit Court Law Clerk to the Honorable Edward A. Robbins, Jr. of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Virginia and as an intern at the Court of Appeals of Virginia.
Thomas is a lifelong resident of Virginia having been raised in central Virginia just south of Richmond. Thomas is involved in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County community as a member of the board of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance and as a cub scout den leader in the Boy Scouts of America. In his free time Thomas enjoys spending time with his wife Kristina and their three sons. They can usually be found outdoors camping, hiking, or sailing. Or, as an automobile enthusiast, tinkering with an old truck and teaching his sons auto mechanic skills.
Matt Von Schuch, President of Flora Pettit, said, “We were excited when Chris and Thomas joined our firm as experienced lateral attorneys. They have demonstrated excellent legal skills and a profound commitment to our clients and our communities. Their election is a result of their hard work, keen legal problem-solving skills and excellent character and we welcome them into the leadership of our firm.”
Flora Pettit is a business and litigation law firm with 26 attorneys specializing in over 24 diverse practice areas. Flora Pettit serves clients throughout Virginia and beyond in both routine and complex transactional and litigation matters. Flora Pettit attorneys excel at solving their clients’ toughest and most complex issues. Flora Pettit serves the Commonwealth of Virginia from offices in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg.
Christopher R. Tate Thomas B. Gladin
